108 
FLORIDA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 
In groves that are closely planted and in 
which the branches of one tree interlock 
with the branches of those surrounding 
it, it is not possible to obtain the kind of 
shaped tree of which I have spoken. In 
such groves, the lower branches are 
smothered out and umbrella-shaped trees 
result. The bearing surface of these trees 
must of necessity be only in the tops, but 
the same kind of pruning will, even in 
these trees, result in some inside bearing 
wood. 
Then, the accumulation of undesirable 
water sprouts, and water sprouts are never 
desirable, should be prevented and will be 
prevented by frequent prunings. Water 
sprouts left undestroyed for any great 
length of time will often destroy the limb 
from which they spring and I think most 
growers will agree with me that a tree 
composed largely of water sprouts is not 
very desirable. To keep a tree in good 
and proper condition, requires, I feel con¬ 
fident, the kind of pruning which never 
gives the tree a severe shock nor allows the 
accumulation of undesirable wood and 
which allows the tree to shape itself nat¬ 
urally. 
As a rule, we all prune when we can 
and that is generally when the shipping 
season is over and labor is available. But 
a light pruning just before the bloom, is a 
desirable factor in the making of the next 
crop. The slight shock imparted causes a 
more general setting of the bloom and 
gives a tendency to the trees to hold their 
newly set fruit. 
When it becomes necessary to cut off 
large branches leaving scars of better than 
an inch in diameter, a trimming of the 
edges with a sharp knife and the painting 
with any good preservative is of impor¬ 
tance. The cuts will then callus over be¬ 
fore the exposed wood rots. 
In general I would say that trees should 
be pruned in such a fashion that pruning 
may never become a pressing necessity. 
- : -: I would like to ask what time 
is most favorable for pruning? 
Tilden: We never have enough people 
in Florida to do the work and in the har¬ 
vesting we have to depend on outside la¬ 
bor. Pruning is done when we can get 
to it, which is generally in the summer. 
I rather like fall and winter pruning. 
Hart: I would like to know your opin¬ 
ion in regard to the pruning of old trees. 
I have a great many letters from people 
who have old groves and they speak of 
pruning them and I would like to know 
what your experiences have been, if any, 
in regard to cutting the tops out of old 
trees, and how about cutting off one-third 
of the top of the tree? 
Tilden: I have not had any experience 
nor have I seen it done. 
Skinner: As to that question about cut¬ 
ting the top of the tree out, I have had 
experience in that. Wherever that was 
done the tree is likely to send up water 
shoots in the center. The sap has to go 
somewhere. This type of pruning is not 
advisable unless the tree is dying at the 
top. Where young trees are cut off at the 
top that is a mistake. 
Thompson: I think the question of 
dead wood is the most important. 
Tilden: I let that go as part of the un¬ 
desirable wood. It all is undesirable 
wood. 
